A UConn Student Has A Dream Come True: Tales From A Grounds Crew Member

Mike Sargent, a senior at the University of Connecticut, applied for an internship that would have him working on the turf for Super Bowl XLVI.

Today I met him outside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, he was the one student chosen.

A turn grass and horticulture double major at UConn, he tried to set himself apart by making a video, and those at the Toro Company, sponsors of the scholarship, thought he stood out from the crowd. When Sargent found out he had gotten the opportunity in November, he started out with disbelief, but that shortly turned into excitement before he even know what teams would be playing. A native of New Hampshire, he has been a Patriots fan his whole life, or since he has been able to walk as he says. Having his team here was “all the sweeter.”

So far he has been prepping the field for game day, but come Sunday Feb. 4 he will have the best seat in the house, or should I say turf, as he will get to stay on the field as his Patriots face the New York Giants. The days leading up to the Super Bowl have been nothing to turn a cheek to though either, his favorite memory is tossing footballs back to Patriots kicker Steven Gostkowski as he was practicing kicks the other day.

What peaked my interest the most is when he allllllmost let some information slip about the anticipated half time show, which he also gets a sneak-peek into, but he caught himself. Darn rules and regulations, and he said there are plenty to go around.

Comes with the turf. Get it, turf.

Watch the interview with Mike.